A SNAPSHOTS feature on a limited-edition car produced in Poole has triggered a big response from readers.

We reported how the specially modified Ford Fiesta Fly XR model was created at the former F English Brothers premises in Willis Way for a few years in the early and mid ’80s.

An enthusiast, David Matthews, from Heathfield, Sussex, asked for anyone who worked on the project to get in touch – and several people did.

David, 70, who has owned a Fly for the past eight years, has been carrying out research for the Fiesta Car Club and XR Owners Club.

He said: “A company called Crayford produced a convertible based on the Fiesta Mk1 hatchback range.

“For the first few months, these cars sported the Crayford badge, but after that it was replaced by the English Coachworks badge.”

For many years, no-one knew exactly how many convertibles were produced, but most estimates varied between two dozen and three dozen.

Now, following his research, and after speaking to former English employees, David is able to pin the figure down to just over 120.

“At the height of production, from 1982 to 1983, Poole was turning out three or four cars a week. Conversion work in Poole stopped in 1986.

“Most of the cars went to Ford dealers in the UK, but many went abroad, to France, Spain, Portugal and Germany.”

David said that Keith Helsby, project manager in Poole, told him that over a dozen vehicles were shipped to the Channel Islands for use as hire cars.

David also spoke with other former English workers still living locally, including Ray Jelley, Trevor Allen, Jim Elliott, Mike Brown, David Willits, Alan Noice and Steve Alford, who was an apprentice engineer.

A new car would have cost between £3,500 and £5,500, and the conversion would have cost up to £1,500.

Nowadays, a Fiesta Fly in good condition will probably fetch from £2,500 to £4,500.

David said, “I have neck problems, and I’m 6ft and weigh 16 stones, but I can get in and out of the car easily.

“It’s comfy and easy to drive, cheap to run too – and the way it was designed, there’s a nice, clean line when the hood’s down. It’s very much in the eye of the beholder, of course, but I think it looks great.”